Stamford volunteer firefighters get $1.7M grant

The Turn of River Fire Department was awarded a $1.7 million federal grant last month, which will allow for the hiring of 16 firefighters.

TOR was awarded the grant under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Staff for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program. Seven fire departments in Connecticut were awarded a total of $3.9 million under the SAFER grant. Of those departments, TOR was awarded the most money.

The grant could fund the hiring of 16 firefighters, bringing manpower at the department to the same level it had before a dispute with the city forced it to become entirely volunteer.

TOR lost 16 firefighters and a paid fire marshall when it didn't agree with the city to a consolidation plan that would have merged all departments under the central command of Stamford Fire & Rescue.

With its budget slashed by 88 percent, TOR went entirely volunteer, but couldn't guarantee a response to emergencies in its district. To pick up the slack, the city set up temporary stations in the Turn of River district, staffed by SF&R personnel.

Under the grant, TOR has the opportunity to hire back the firefighters it lost, but the department still needs the city's help. The grant would cover 90 percent of the firefighter's salaries during the first year, 80 percent in the second year, 50 percent in the third year and 30 percent in the fourth year. The applicant must cover the remainder.

It's up to the next city administration to decide how it wants to utilize this money, said TOR Chief Frank Jacobellis.

Hiring 16 career firefighters is a lengthy process that would take months to complete, Jacobellis said.

With Mayor Dannel Malloy set to leave his position in December, the next mayor of Stamford will inherit these savings, which could serve as a catalyst for change.

TOR is still mired in a legal battle with the city, and claims the city acted improperly when it forced the department to cut its paid staff. A decision in that case is expected by early October, Jacobellis said.

Today's Top Insider StoriesOur journalists provide in-depth analysis and reporting about the people, places and issues that matter most to you. Subscribers get access to all of their comprehensive coverage.Stories from Insider